PS Vita Hopes To Prevent Piracy With Closed Memory Format

[GameWinner]

The proprietary (and costly) memory card format for Sony's upcoming PS Vita has many up in arms, but the company says the new format will prevent another PSP piracy disaster.

Sony Computer Entertainment's Muneki Shimada claims the PS Vita-exclusive memory cards -- which are used as a substitute for internal storage to hold game saves, downloadable content, and other files -- will "ensure the security" of the handheld, according to a Japanese Impress Watch interview.

The company plans to not allow users to hook up the memory cards to their PCs as "mass storage" formats, meaning that they will not be able to transfer and organize their files without using a special content management program, unlike how one manages files on a standard SD card or other devices.

While the PSP requires Windows-only utility Media Go to transfer games to Sony's proprietary Memory Sticks, users could still use them as mass storage devices for other files. This led to hackers eventually devising a way to load custom firmware, circumvent security protections, and play pirated games on PSPs.

Shimada argued that this approach for PS Vita will be more convenient for users, as they will not have to deal with folder structures on the cards -- similar to a program like iTunes, the content management software would take care of that. Some, however, might argue that this takes control away from users.

Mac owners will also take issue with Sony's utility, as the content management program will only be available for Windows when it launches in Japan (December 17, February 22 elsewhere). Andriasang's translated report of the interview says the company intends to release a Mac-compatible version soon.

PS Vita's memory cards have come under fire recently from consumers after U.S. retailer listings revealed prices considerably higher than standard memory: $24.99 for 4GB, $39.99 for 8GB, $69.99 for 16GB, and $119.99 for 32GB. PS Vita system purchases ($249 for Wi-Fi only, $299 for 3G) will not include the cards.

http://www.gamasutra...mory_Format.php

 

[Deleted_171835]

That doesn't explain the outrageous prices.

 

[Necron]

That doesn't explain the outrageous prices.

That is self explained. Money.

 

[KingVamp]

Why do I think this will have the opposite effect?

 

[Santee]

That doesn't explain the outrageous prices.

Actually it does exactly just that if nothing else.

They have a monopoly of their memory format, so.......

 

[GameWinner]

Why do I think this will have the opposite effect?

Because it will

 

[DarkStriker]

Another reason why im not getting PSV for launch.

 

[Critica1]

The company plans to not allow users to hook up the memory cards to their PCs as "mass storage" formats, meaning that they will not be able to transfer and organize their files without using a special content management program, unlike how one manages files on a standard SD card or other devices.

Commence invasion of Sony bloatware. Nice try Sony. No thanks.

 

[nando]

this just in

" a special content management program" was released to transfer and organize file on the Vita

 

[prowler]

The company plans to not allow users to hook up the memory cards to their PCs as "mass storage" formats, meaning that they will not be able to transfer and organize their files without using a special content management program, unlike how one manages files on a standard SD card or other devices.

Commence invasion of Sony bloatware. Nice try Sony. No thanks.

Just like Apple but people put up with that.

Edit: As long as it doesn't use Media Go and doesn't require Quicktime and other various shit to install, I'm okay with it.

 

[loco365]

inb4custom memory card readers.

 

[KidIce]

SOOO inclined to agree w/ KingVamp. The price of real MSPro's kept me off the PSP for a long time. It wasn't until I found DX style sites and cheap Chinese knock offs or Photofast adapters that I was willing to get one. The prices on those cards are just fucking absurd... And I'm reasonably certain that should I get a Vita I'll be needing a fat one. I could afford it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to pay it. I'll probably end up doing what I did w/ my first PSP, waiting till I find some dumb ass who bought one as a status symbol and a fat stick looking to sell their very expensive paperweight on Craig's List or eBay.

And to think we get to pay these over inflated prices to "insure" that we can't pirate on the Vita? I'M SOLD!!!!

 

[Critica1]

Your absolutely right prowler, my post seemed a little dramatic haha

It can be frustrating to see more security measures that change/alter services because of previous quarrels in the past. I think this a small price everyone has to pay.

 

[Jamstruth]

Something tells me people will figure out a way of reading the files on the format. Its a smart way of doing it but also an incredibly dumb way of doing it. No video player (unless you buy from a store on the Vita) and no music player. Admittedly I doubt many people use those functions on a PSP (well, it does make a nice video player given its screen size) but its now something the Vita can't do.

 

[GameWinner]

Something tells me people will figure out a way of reading the files on the format. Its a smart way of doing it but also an incredibly dumb way of doing it. No video player (unless you buy from a store on the Vita) and no music player. Admittedly I doubt many people use those functions on a PSP (well, it does make a nice video player given its screen size) but its now something the Vita can't do.

It does have a music and video player.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

Um, it's called a USB cable?

I was under the impression that you could transfer data to the memory card via a USB cable. So in the end this does nothing.

 

[rt141]

So... When vita gets hacked what will be the "official" excuse for the overpriced sd cards?

 

[DarkStriker]

So... When vita gets hacked what will be the "official" excuse for the overpriced sd cards?

None, because everyone will be using a 3rd party thats cheaper or a 3rd party alternate that converts it or something similiar.

 

[spark1223]

If the launch list of games wasn't enough to make me wait to get a PS Vita, the expensive memory will. Seriously sony, ANOTHER memory format. 3DS/DSi has done fine getting rid of piracy so far with main stream formats. Now you'll instead lose money because people won't buy the already overpriced memory and system instead of losing money to piracy.

 

[s4mid4re]

Something tells me people will figure out a way of reading the files on the format. Its a smart way of doing it but also an incredibly dumb way of doing it. No video player (unless you buy from a store on the Vita) and no music player. Admittedly I doubt many people use those functions on a PSP (well, it does make a nice video player given its screen size) but its now something the Vita can't do.

I'm sorry if I'm misinterpreting you, but I assume you're saying that owners won't be able to transfer content, unless they're protected content downloaded from some kind of Sony service? I believe the program is supposed to handle the transfer of your converted/pirated videos and music (just like iTunes doesn't require the files to be downloaded from the iTunes store), instead of giving the freedom to use the built-in file management program (i.e. windows explorer and w/e the mac one is called). And I doubt they're going to make an online service for videos/music, just for the Vita. That'd be stupid, really.

tl;dr you can transfer your own content, but you just have to transfer it through the 'special program.'

Your absolutely right prowler, my post seemed a little dramatic hah

It can be frustrating to see more security measures that change/alter services because of previous quarrels in the past. I think this a small price everyone has to pay.

"Small price everyone has to pay", even though most psp owners weren't pirates? Anyways, I'm a pirate, so I guess I have no say on this.

Um, it's called a USB cable?

I was under the impression that you could transfer data to the memory card via a USB cable. So in the end this does nothing.

I'm not sure if I get your point, but oh well: yeah, the transfer is supposed to be through USB. Instead of allowing users to use the explorer to create new directories and drag/drop exploits/hacks and unofficial files (like the psp), owners will be required to use the program (which will most likely deny files that do not constitute with what it is supposed to allow through) to be sent into the ms. Basically, it gives less control to the owner than the psp gave, so I don't see how it does nothing in the end. It'd be easier for me to understand if you could clarify on what you mean. >_>